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Sunday, November 26, 2006

I met Jesse online through American Christian Fiction Writers. I'm happy to introduce her to you.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think a little bit of me goes into every character I write. Truly, it’s unavoidable for me. In that same thread however, sometimes my characters are what I wish I could be. I’m very comfortable infusing novels with characters shaped by my own strengths and weaknesses. That said, I’m constantly surprised that the characters in each book stand on their own and have vastly differing and unique personalities.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

(Chuckling here) For about three years I had bright blue hair that hung down to my waist. On a whim I died it that way one day and liked it so much that it stayed lagoon blue for quite a long time! During that period of my life I had the wonderful opportunity to use this as a witnessing tool, believe it or not. You’d be surprised the doors that this opened for me, allowing me to share God’s love with people on the fringes of society who always started conversations with “Hey, cool hair!”

And that's what we want to do, reach everyone for the Lord, especially the disenfranchised. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In college. I was really struggling with what God wanted from my life. I remember getting up out of bed late one night, scrambling for paper and a pencil so I could jot down a story that had just come to me. When I put down the last word suddenly I realized that this was it.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love Christian fiction (of course!), but also enjoy biographies and books on archeological studies. I’ve also been known to enjoy a good Michael Crichton or Nicholas Sparks novel from time to time.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

A Rose from the Ashes, The Prairies Call Your Name, Captainess, Malika’s War, and my first novel, Finding Mann.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Making a very conscious effort to slow down is key. I know that sometimes this is easier said than done, but you’d be surprised how much you can actually cut out of your schedule if you really wanted to. One way to cut back on being crazy busy is to learn the proper use of the word no.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I keep a file of last and first names that I’ve heard or seen somewhere, and tuck that away for later reference. I also love to find out what their meanings are, because although a reader may never know what the name means and how it relates to the theme of my novel, I will.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

While being a novelist is incredibly rewarding, nothing quite compares to starting every day with your sweetheart! Marrying my husband and having a Christ-centered marriage is my proudest achievement.

Even after forty-two years with mine, I have to agree. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

No animal on earth lives better than our 4-year-old Labrador retriever. I would definitely want to be her!

What is your favorite food?

Have you had the Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana soup with garlic breadsticks? No? Then you have not truly lived, my friend.

Yes, those bread sticks are the best in the world. If I really need a treat, I order a dish of their alfredo sauce to dip them in.

Thank you, Jesse, for giving us a glimpse into your life. Readers, be sure and leave a comment for a chance to win A Rose From the Ashes.

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Do you like a good mystery? So does Cathy Elliott. That's why she writes them. Follow me as we go inside her world.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

It seems as though there is something of me in every character. I can’t seem to stay out of their lives! But overall, the characters are compilations of traits that work for their role in the story. They are not based on anyone in particular, not even me.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

There are quirky characters in my cozy mystery, so you can imagine I have a few quirky experiences of my own. Once, I left a friend/colleague on hold while I answered another telephone call. (This was before call waiting, etc.) After finishing with the caller, I punched a flashing light and picked up what I thought was my friend’s waiting phone line. I answered using a crazy Swedish accent, “Yah, sure, and kin I help yer?

The voice that answered wasn’t my colleague, but a stranger calling my workplace. I panicked. How could I explain I was just joking at work? So I stayed in character, still speaking with my faux Swedish accent, and completed the call. Somehow, I got away with it, then fell apart laughing at myself.

Still, I should offer my apologies to the Swedes.

As a person from Swedish extraction, I also think it is hilarious. So you're forgiven. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

When my friend and writing mentor, Mary Vaughn Armstrong, told me I had the heart of a writer, I dared to believe her. It was many years before I had my first published piece in my hands, but Mary’s words carried me until then.

I'm glad you listened to her as I'm sure your other readers are, too. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love the classics and most types of mysteries, though they can’t be too graphic or gory for my Care-Bears heart. Some literary fiction, historical romance, and classic children’s books like The Chronicles of Narnia, etc. I also love to read non-fiction encompassing a variety of subject matter. Lately…pioneer diaries. I enjoy many genres, as long as the writing is good.

We must be sisters under the skin. I love pioneer diaries, too. I get some information for my historicals from them. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I’ve written thirteen children’s books for an educational company; ten titles have been published to date. Most of these books were scientific in nature and I had to do a lot of research so the facts would be correct and the experiments would work. Two of the books were fiction, using a word list. All were challenging to write.

I understand that. I wrote videoscripts for the School of Tomorrow. The scientific experiment ones were tough. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I struggle to slow down, so much to do. But what works for me is to take it day-by-day, chip a little away at my word count, or my unanswered email, or the plethora of projects bearing my name. I have to come back to what really matters – my relationship with Christ and with others. When I focus on this, things come back into perspective.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

I love this part! Often, the characters will just come to me already named. I knew Thea James was Thea James when she introduced herself inside my head. I like names to mean something as well, so Thea is short for Dorothea, one of the main characters in George Eliot’s classic work, Middlemarch. There are reasons why Thea has her name, but that’s a wee mystery.

I try to think of several things at once. If I have a common first name, I might choose an uncommon last name. Instead of Bill Miller, I’ll choose Bill Kapolski. Or Winston Miller. For the most part, the names should start with different letters. If I have a Jenny, I don’t want a Janet and a Jason, too. I try and mix it up: some names that sound like the backwoods of hill country, some that sound like the lord and lady of the manor, a nickname or two, and I’ll sprinkle in some that just make me laugh.

Twice, I’ve had to rename characters. Once, the original name looked too much like the heroine’s name on the page, though it sounded different said aloud. But still, that sort of thing confuses me as a reader. The other time, the character never came alive in my head. When I renamed her, she got real spunky!

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I’m not sure how to answer this. Writing my book comes to mind, of course. But I had a lot of support. Raising a wonderful daughter? Hmm, I had so much help. In truth, I think it would be that way with any accomplishment I wanted to name. God has always provided that which is needed to achieve anything good.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Maybe a Labrador retriever. I love the idea of being useful, like a guide dog or company for someone who is lonely. Labs are beautiful, smart, loyal, and relational. That makes my heart smile.

My favorite dog from childhood was a golden Lab. What is your favorite food?

God forgive me, I’m an ice-cream gal. In my defense, I come from a long line of ice-creamaholics. I didn’t have a chance.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

If I’ve had a roadblock, it was the onset of a care-giving season for my parents. I was afraid that I would have to give up my writing for a time, and would have done so. My folks needed me. But it wasn’t required after all. Instead, God has used my writing to give me joy and to bring healing in a difficult time.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

I’d love to tell you a bit about my first book, a cozy mystery titled, A Vase of Mistaken Identity. It was published in April of 2006 by Kregel Publications, who have been a delight. Here is a brief overview:

Antique dealer, Thea James, acquires a vintage vase with an old list of familiar names tucked inside. At first, she is just curious. But after the first woman on the list has a freak accident and the second goes missing, Thea gets nervous. Then she gets involved, because her name is next!!!

When I first started to write Vase, many people, including some editors, asked, “What is a cozy mystery?” It was a new term for a number of folks. I offered a definition that I especially liked: “Cats and quilts and not a lot of blood.” The murder happens off stage. Since this was my first cozy, I added a quilting theme and my protagonist, Thea, is actually making a quilt for her cat as she lives out the adventure. As a little bonus, the quilt pattern is in the back of the book, so the reader may make Thea’s “Kitty in the Cabin” quilt, as well. Enjoy.

Thanks, Lena, for providing this opportunity to meet your readers in the blogging community. It has been great fun to answer your insightful questions. If anyone else has a question, please feel free to contact me at: cathyelliott@kregel.com - have a great day!

Thank you, Cathy. I know the readers enjoyed getting you a little better. However, I think it's time to come out from behind the book and let us see all of you. Remember, leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of A Vase of Mistaken Identity.

She's the winner of Robert Elmer's book, The Recital. Contact me with your mailing address, and we'll get that out to you.

There's still a week left to leave a comment on Rachel Hauck's interview for a chance to win Lost in NashVegas.

Also, remember that you can order copies many of my books on Signedbytheauthor.com. The link is on the right hand column of this blog. They make good gifts, and I will sign and personalize them myself.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

We're welcoming Rachel Hauck back to the interview chair. The last time we talked to her was in connection with the novella collection we were both in, along with our friends Pamela Griffin and Lynette Sowell. Today, we'll be featuring her newest bookLost in NashVegas.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Consciously, I don’t write any of my own traits into my characters. Subconsciously, I’m certain aspects of my heart and mind creep in. Certainly while forming my characters values, dreams, goals, my own values have an effect. While writing Lost In Nashvegas, I did draw heavily on my own battle with fear to help define my heroine, Robin.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Let’s just say I was in a sorority in college and leave it there. (grin)

I'm not sure that's a good thing. It opens the readers imagination to lots of things. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Fourth grade, I think. I wrote a poem that my parents and teacher loved. Then I started writing a novel about a girl with a horse when I was ten. You can see I grasped originality early on. Ha!

I wonder just how many young girls also started a story or book about a girl with a horse. Probably more than we could count. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I enjoy reading any well-written book. I love a good story whether it’s historical or Sci-Fi. My favorite books right now are by Kristin Billerbeck, Tracey Bateman, Marian Keyes, and other accomplished chick lit authors.

Darn. I didn't make your favorite author list. (Just kidding.) Oh well. What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I’ve written five romances, and one other chick lit, Georgia On Her Mind. My first book is the only unpublished book and it’s in a three ring binder in my office. There are some minor structural problems with the book, but it is still one of my favorites.

Incidently, readers, you'll want to read Georgia on Her Mind, too. My second book is my unpublished manuscript that languishes in a drawer. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I only do the things the Lord calls me to do. Several years ago, the Lord loaded up my plate and in the natural, I started stressing. I was working full time as a software project manager, writing my first contracted novel and overseeing a national conference – something I’d never done before. In the midst of this, several pastors in the city were coming together to launch a prayer ministry and my husband a was leading the charge. Naturally, I wanted to be involved. Anything involving prayer, I’m there.

I told the Lord to take something off my plate, I couldn’t handle it. The Lord gave me a dream about my situation and I knew He was stretching me in that season – for His kingdom’s sake. I began to lean heavily on Him for getting all my jobs done, literally saying, “Lord, if you don’t put on this conference, we’re not going to have one.” Peace would wash over me.

I told the Lord to take something off my plate, I couldn’t handle it. The Lord gave me a dream about my situation and I knew He was stretching me in that season – for His kingdom’s sake. I began to lean heavily on Him for getting all my jobs done, literally saying, “Lord, if you don’t put on this conference, we’re not going to have one.” Peace would wash over me.

Actually, it was a wonderful conference, and I'm glad you listened to the Lord. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I pick names I like, or by going through a name generator, waiting for one to feel right. I pay attention to names that might come up in conversation or when I’m introduced to new people.

I do that, too. I mean really noticing the names of new people I meet. I've used some of them in my stories. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I love my writing career and am really proud of recent books, but I’m most proud of the work the Lord has allowed us to do with youth and prayer. It’s an amazing privilege and I’m in awe at how the Lord takes our small effort and bears much fruit.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

I’m glad to NOT be an animal.

What is your favorite food?

French fries.

Rachel, my husband, and I visited over burgers and fries in a small restaurant north of DFW Airport in September. What fun after a trying day! What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Lost In NashVegas is about a young woman, Robin McAfee who overcomes her greatest fear to realize her secret heart’s desire.

Thank you for spending time with us today, Rachel. I pray God's continued blessings on yours and Tony's ministry and your writing.

Readers, first leave a comment on this interview for a chance to win a copy of this book. But if you don't win, rush out and buy a copy. You'll love it. Remember that books make a thoughtful gift for friends at Christmas. Check out SignedbytheAuthor.com for books by many of your favorite Christian authors. The books will be personalized by the author for you.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

I have only met Robert online, but I have read some of his books. I believe you will enjoy them as much as I have. Remember, if you leave a comment, you'll have a chance to win a copy of the featured book The Recital.

Robert, welcome to my blog. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Bits and pieces, here and there. Quite random, actually. I prefer to create distinct characters who are definitely not like myself, although I have to say that the main character in the first series I wrote for children, The Young Underground, was a lot like me as a boy. Also, I tend to identify a lot with the piano teacher in The Duet, Joan Horton.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I used to own and fly a hang glider. No wait, that’s not very quirky. I often wear kids’ t-shirts to work. Is that quirky? Sorry, not very. Next question…

Hang gliding sounds like fun to me. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

In the third grade, when I started writing a family newspaper, and when I found myself writing essays and poems beyond what the teacher asked for.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I still enjoy reading good kids’ books (Lois Johnson is one of my favorites), fiction by some of my favorite authors (Bill Myers, Deb Raney, Alton Gansky), occasional nonfiction if someone recommends it to me.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

Grown-up novels: The Duet, The Celebrity, The Recital, Like It Always Was (written, due out ’07)Youth fiction: The Wall (Cold War trilogy, due out this summer), Off My Case for Kids (with Lee Strobel), HyperLinkz series (six books), AstroKids series (10 books), Promise of Zion series (six books), Adventures Down Under series (eight books), Young Underground series (eight books), Eat My Martian Dust (co-edited)Nonfiction: Discovering Daily Graces (out now), Practicing God’s Presence

When I was on staff at a church, I started the bookstore and managed it for them. We carried the Adventures Down Under series. They're really good. How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I do my best to walk, walk, walk – especially every morning with the dog. I spend relaxing evenings with my wife whenever possible. I sail. Listen to music.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Often from one of those “What Shall We Name the Baby” books, or sometimes from random names I pick up in the news. In my earlier kids’ books I occasionally used relatives’ names, but eventually ran out of relatives to use.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

No question: The best thing I ever did (aside from making a decision to follow Jesus Christ, which I hesitate to call an “accomplishment”) was marrying my wife Ronda.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Goodness… a dolphin? No, I would get tired of swimming, although that would be fun for the first day or two. A chimp? No, they’d probably make me live in a lab or something. I give up.

What is your favorite food?

Barbecued salmon, they way my wife cooks it, broiled in garlic butter. A close second: Danish salted licorice, which is something like Dutch salted licorice, which sounds weird but you have to read about in The Duet.

All right readers, rush out and buy The Duet. It's not the book we're giving away.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

If you liked The Duet, you’re going to really like the follow-up, The Recital. If you never read The Duet, find a copy and read it first – even though The Recital is written as a stand-alone, you’ll like to know the background leading up to this story. It’s a different kind of love story, a small-town story, a story of opposites that both men and women can relate to. It’s close to my heart, and I pray you’ll be encouraged by the struggle of Joan and Gerrit. Read it!

While you're at it, be sure and get a copy of The Celebrity. I loved this book. I'll have to admit that I don't have The Duet, so maybe I'll see you at the bookstore when we go to buy it. Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of The Recital. And there's still time to leave a comment on Linda Windsor's interview for a chance to win a copy of Blue Moon.